#400 for quick removal of metal from a damaged blade or putting that first edge into a blunt blade.

I love these splash and go whetstones from Naniwa - fast cutting but a great feel. It's fine for European knives but really excels with the harder Japanese steels.

It is splash and go, though I do like to soak it in water for a minute before initial use. For those who know the Naniwa Chosera range, this is the same stone but a thinner (15mm) model. It comes in its own carry case which doubles up as the stone holder when in use.

Brand: Naniwa ナニワ研磨工業
Product Type: Whetstone
Grit: #400
Soaking Requirement: Not required
Size: 210 x 70 x 15mm

I wouldn’t recommend this stone for softer steels, as the feel of sharpening becomes sticky - I think of it as being like running the blade over a plasticine stone….